The first part of the book dealing with the author and his mother's travails in pre-WWII Germany in Weissenfels was absolutely the best part of the book. (And, this was unexpected as I bought the book to read about the editor of my favorite newspaper.) The author puts a human face to his German friends, neighbors, towns people, local officials, and even the Nazi that finally gave the exit visa to Frau Frankel and her son, Max. Even after the war and the Holocaust, Frankel admits he maintained some empathy with the ordinary German folk. I found this perspective to be refreshing and enlightening as it seemed more realistic of the German peoples and their behavior in pre-War Germany. (I do not wish to politicize my book review, please read the book to get your own opinion on this matter-- although one does have to remember Frankel's experiences were that of a young boy). In fact, most of the book was written in a honest, straight-forward manner. The authos's candor was a surprise on many topics including those of race. It is always refreshing to read an honest appraisal rather than the double talk you hear from politician-types.

The remainder of the book amazed me that Max Frankel lived through and was involved in many of the historic events that occurred during the Cold War. Although at times Frankel seemed to explain in hindsight his prescience at events about to occur on the world stage. (As aside, you wonder why you didn't have people like him working for the CIA).

An aspect of the book that I didn't enjoy was the author's apologetic tone in explaining his executive decisions while an editor at the NY Times. It seemed this portion of the autobiography was aimed at the co-workers and people at NY Times that Frankel had worked with.

Definately, the parts of the book talking about the author's personal experiences, whether in Germany, Washington Heights, or the tragic illness of his wife were captivating. The rest about his career seemed routine.

Max Frankel tells what it was like to be at the helm of the New York Times, For those of us who read the Times regularly, it is a great inside view. He offers a lot with respect to the dynamics and personalities within the paper (of reporters many Times readers readily recognize), and is therefore a more compelling and interesting witness than others such as James Reston's Deadline. He also tells what it is like to run and manage and change a great American newspaper. It is fascinating how he led changes in the appearance of the front page, changing lines and making the type larger. Readers said it was more readable but not knowing why. (I want to find a 20 year old Times, possibly Frankel's photos in the book and compare it to today's edition, and see what makes the new one look more lively and the old one stiff and formal). As witness to world affairs, witness to New York Times politics, and reporter of how NY Times adapts to readers and tv world, Frankel has a 3 in 1 package. His leading the charge to analyze in print (as opposed to merely report) since the scoops come on tv connects a newsaper with its new role. I would be curious to hear his account (even if after his stewardship) on how the Times is now further adapting with its on-line edition and what that means for the life of the Times now and in the years ahead.

Mr. Frankel focuses his keen journalist's eye on himself and his work, producing a fascinating account of his own life, the evolution of journalism, and recent history. His vision for society, and the journalist's role in it, makes this book a must-read for any informed citizen in a liberal democracy. His perspective on events, honed by years at The Times, is amazing.

I was a bit disappointed in this book-it was written as if Israeli children were writing letters to American students. I felt like it was talking down to the kids. It does cover some important information and for younger children it may be very good, but does not meet my needs in teaching to the intermediate students. The photos are in black and white and it has illustrations. I did like some of the activities included in the book which I may use with the 10-12 year olds. Also, the book was published in 1978 and a lot has changed since then, making some of the information on current day life incorrect.